Simple Tomato Ketchup

• 30 ml Olive oil
• 2 onions, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 4 x 400g cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped
• 200g Light brown sugar
• 150ml Cider or white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp Tomato puree
• 2 tbsp Molasses
• 2 tsp Dried mustard powder
• 5 cm piece cinnamon stick
• 1/2 tsp Ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp Dried chili flakes
• 1/4 tsp Ground cloves
• 1 Small Bayleaf
• Juice of 2 limes

To Make:

1. Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed pan, add the onions and garlic, cook for 5-6 minutes until softened but with no color. Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil.

2. Reduce heat and simmer ketchup for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, stirring regularly.

3. Pass the ketchup through a medium strainer or food mill and return it to the pan.

4. Cook over a low heat again for 30 minutes until the sauce is reduced and thickened in consistency.

5. Allow to cool before stirring in the lime juice.

6. Refrigerate until needed, it can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, longer in a sealed sterilized jar.

Classic All-American Burger

Makes 4 Burgers

• 800g Good quality minced beef, chilled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• vegetable or sunflower oil for cooking
• 8 slices American style or sharp cheddar cheese
• 75g iceburg lettuce, shredded
• 2 beef tomatoes, thickly sliced
• 1 onion, sliced

Toppings:

• 4 Burger Buns, split
• 30ml Mild American mustard
• 60ml Basic Mayonnaise
• 2 Sweet dill pickles, sliced
• Simple tomato ketchup

To Make:

1. Mix the meat and the chopped onion in a large bowl, season with salt and plenty of pepper and chill for 1 hour

2.Using hands, shape into 4 evenly sized burgers. Using thumb make small depression in center of each burger.

3. Heat a char-grill or pan-grill until smoking hot.

4. Brush the burgers liberally all over with the oil, place on the grill and cook 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked and slightly charred all over.

5. Cover the burgers with cheese slices (2 per burger) and wait until melted.

6. Toast the buns. Cover the bottom bun with mustard, the top with Basic Mayonnaise.

7. Top the bottom bun with shredded lettuce, followed by burger, then by the onion and tomato slices. Finally top with sliced dill pickles and replace top bun.

8. Serve with the Ultimate Fries and lots of Simple Tomato Ketchup.